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Hand and Wrist
Hand and Wrist Services
Special Programs
Program for Musicians
Both professional and recreational musicians may experience hand and arm problems due to improper body mechanics, excessive playing time, overt competition or inadequate physical conditioning. And, of course, an accident or a degenerative condition unrelated to the playing can affect musicians.
In Hand Rehabilitation, we begin with an ergonomic evaluation while our patients play their instrument. We help them to and make appropriate adaptations at that time. In very special occasions, we will discuss instrument modifications. Depending on the results of the evaluation, specific exercise routines can be taught with the goal of improved posture, increased flexibility, or increased strength.
Program for Office Workers
Whether as a result of an on-the-job or out-of-the office injury, hand and arm problems can affect your livelihood as well as your life. In Hand Rehabilitation, we perform ergonomic evaluations of workstations and provide advice on accommodations as necessary. At times, this evaluation is done at remote job sites where we also educate managers and employees regarding proper body mechanics to prevent further injury.
Program for Sign Language Interpreters
Sign language interpreters can be exposed to biomechanical stressors that include force, repetition, awkward postures, as well as inadequate recovery or rest. Our Hand Rehabilitation specialists work with various agencies that employ sign language interpreters to collaborate in reducing these risk factors. We incorporate exercises in a treatment program to improve posture, and increase flexibility.
Program for Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain can affect any skeletal muscle in the body. It can cause local or referred pain, tightness, tenderness, popping and clicking, stiffness, limitation of movement, twitching, and muscle weakness. Hand Rehabilitation therapist are members of a team treating this condition. Several treatment offered by our Hand Rehabilitation therapists can be helpful in decreasing pain. These include phonophoresis, stretching, electrical stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), myofascial release, and stretch and spray techniques.
Program for the Injured Worker
Following a work or auto related injury, Hand Rehabilitation therapists establish a program that will return workers to the same or a similar job with or without accommodations. Following the initial injury management program, we guide our patients while they initiate a Work Hardening/Work Conditioning Program to maximize their ability to return to work. We perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) to measure our patients’ ability to return to an 8-hour workday.
McKenzie Method Program
We use the McKenzie Method to assesses and treat the spine. Therapist that complete a series of courses and pass a credentialing examination earn the designation of certified MDT provider. In Hand Rehabilitation, an MDT credentialed practitioner will evaluate the patient’s problem via mechanical examination and prescribe a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis during the healing process is on active patient involvement. Our patients are able to gain hands-on-knowledge of their own treatment program as well as prevention.